Tri-Service
Charity Shinty Match For Veteran Jailed In India
The family of a former British soldier currently imprisoned in India have held a charity shinty match to raise money for his legal fees.
Billy Irving is one of six veterans who were captured in 2013 when they were working in counter piracy.
In 2013 the former paratrooper was working on an anti-piracy ship that strayed into Indian waters carrying weapons. It marked the start of an almost three year legal battle. Now his family and the local community have come together to support the costs of his legal fees.
The match saw a Taynuilt and Kilmory side take on an All Stars team featuring players from across Scotland, with several travelling down from the highlands. Competition on the pitch was fierce. By half time, Taynuilt, the side Billy used to play shinty for, was 2 nil up.
The second half of the game saw the All Stars team stage a fierce comeback. Very soon they had levelled the score 2 all. Despite some chances, the home side couldn't cling on to victory and the All Stars clinched the final glory with 2 more goals making the final score 4-2.
This is a close knit community and now Billy's family and friends are waiting and hoping for good news – he has a new appeal hearing next month. But they say they'll continue to support Billy's legal battle for as long as it takes to get him home.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
